Genre: Young Adult Speculative

Review: Birthright by Nichole Giles

Review: Birthright by Nichole Giles

I loved this book! Book 1, Descendant, was great. We learn about Abby’s powers as she does–and realize that there is a mysterious connection between her and Kye, beyond the blooming romance. In this book, we learn even more about this connection. The more time they are together, the faster they die. On the flip side, being apart is physically painful. An interesting set-up. Abby and Kye feel very real to me, the characters are well-developed and talk and act just like real teenagers. Well, […]

July 25, 2014 | 0 Comments
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Review: Spell Check by Julie Wright

Review: Spell Check by Julie Wright

I loved this story! Yes, it’s the typical “I-just-found-out-I’m-special” type YA paranormal story—but this one is funny and clever. It incorporates some of the Swedish mythology, which was new for me and fun. It starts with a group of cheerleaders “hanging” Allyson on her birthday, which just happens to be a few days before Halloween. Allyson, being a typical teenager and clueless about her powers, wreaks havoc upon them. It’s awesome! Trying to wrap her brain around the fact that she’s a witch, learning to […]

July 21, 2014 | 2 Comments
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The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

I’m not super familiar with Egyptian gods and goddesses, so I have to admit, I found this book really confusing in the beginning. There were a lot of characters thrown at you right away. Add to that the switching from past to present, with some backstory thrown in and it became so confusing for me that I put it down a few times during the first several chapters, wondering if it was worth it to finish. But I’ve liked Kiersten White’s other books SO MUCH […]

July 4, 2014 | 1 Comment
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Sugar Coated by Shannen Crane Camp

Sugar Coated by Shannen Crane Camp

This was such a fun read! The plot was solid, the dialog was great. I loved the characters—I think that’s one of the strong points of this story. Brynn is determined and brave with some quirky habits, but most importantly, she is curious. And that’s what gets her into trouble. It’s also what I loved about her. I like to think I’m that type of person too. (But wow, maybe not. I’d love to have some of that tech!) Although there are two boys, Ty […]

June 20, 2014 | 0 Comments
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Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Life After Theft by Aprilynne Pike

Normally, I don’t do negative reviews. I never review a book that I didn’t like well enough to finish. And if I do finish it and decide I can’t give it a decent review, I just don’t mention it here. Unless it’s a special case—where I feel I need to give readers a heads up. First, let me tell you the good stuff about this book. I thought this was such a clever idea. I was really intrigued. Pike absolutely does a fabulous job of […]

June 20, 2013 | 0 Comments
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Aura by Rebecca Lynn Talley

Aura by Rebecca Lynn Talley

Right up front, I want everyone to know two things. 1) I consider Rebecca Talley a friend and she gave me a copy of Aura with the understanding that I would do a review, IF I liked it. But friend or not, I don’t give good reviews to books I don’t like; and  2) I designed the cover for AURA. Rebecca and I worked together on it, sharing ideas and tweaking things. But that doesn’t mean I have a stake in the success of the […]

March 15, 2013 | 1 Comment
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A Blind Eye by Julie Daines

A Blind Eye by Julie Daines

I’m always just a little apprehensive when someone asks me to do a book review. If it’s an author I already like, no problem. But otherwise, it makes my tummy just a little uneasy when I open the book and start into those first few pages. I’m so afraid of being disappointed. Especially when the offer of review started as, “My friend wrote a book and I loved it…” Well, of course you did. They’re your friend; you’re going to like their stuff. You’ll get […]

February 11, 2013 | 3 Comments
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The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins

This is a three-for-the-price-of-one review because I read all three books back to back—and I think the power in this series is in the whole of it, not just one individual book. The Hunger Games • Catching Fire • Mockingjay I really liked this series. Yes, it’s brutal in places, disturbing. And I definitely think it’s for mature readers. I don’t think anyone under the age of 14 has any business reading these books, and for most teens, I’d say sixteen (or older) to read […]

October 25, 2012 | 0 Comments
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Mr Monster by Dan Wells

Mr Monster by Dan Wells

About that Content Warning ^^^ This series is descriptive and a little gruesome. There is demon-killing violence, violence by demons toward humans, and some mild swearing. Also, John gets a little out of control at times. I think 16 and up is a good “umbrella” recommendation, but it should be adjusted for the personality of the teen. It might be a good idea if a parent read this book before giving it to their teen—and discussing it afterward. That said, I loved it. As I […]

October 17, 2012 | 0 Comments
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I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

I Am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

I Am Not a Serial Killer is Dan Wells’ debut novel—and if it’s any indication, we will see lots more from him. This story is so unusual and bizarre that I know some of you aren’t going to feel the love like I do. But seriously? I loved this book. First, a couple of notes. This series was released in the UK by Headline Publishing Group (UK imprint of Hachette) before it came to the U.S. I have the UK version because I picked it […]

October 15, 2012 | 1 Comment
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The Forbidden Sea by Sheila A. Nielson

The Forbidden Sea  by  Sheila A. Nielson

Full Disclosure: Sheila and I have been in the same writing critique years for several years. I read this book in its many variations, but was still enthralled with the story when it finally hit bookstore shelves. Despite being good friends, I purchased this book with my own money and was never asked by Sheila to do a review of any kind. * * * Isn’t that the most amazing cover?! I think it’s absolutely breathtaking. The illustrator did a wonderful job capturing the mermaid […]

October 11, 2012 | 0 Comments
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The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage

The Fourth Nephite by Jeffrey S. Savage

Another hit! This fantasy is geared toward LDS boys, but girls will love it as well. The action and suspense were wonderful, the characterization was great. I felt Kaleo, especially, was very believable. When he’s caught breaking the rules, he accepts his punishment and although he makes some bad decisions along the way, in the end, he’s learned the lessons he needed to learn. I loved the peek into history and the life of Joseph Smith. The writing was captivating and I was caught up […]

October 8, 2012 | 3 Comments
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Bone Warriors by Bron Bahlmann

Bone Warriors by Bron Bahlmann

I know Shirley, Bron’s mother and a great writer, and she asked if I’d give Bron’s book a review here on my blog. I was happy to do it because: 1) I like to encourage young writers, and 2) I was interested to see what Bron—who started this book at age 11 and finished it at age 14—could come up with. I was very pleasantly surprised with the scope and complexity of this story. Derrik and Tweaks—best friends since children—are out in the fields when […]

September 24, 2012 | 2 Comments
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The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

Abby is a senior in high school, with her life all lined up. Then she meets Dante—and her world turns upside down. He’s cute, mysterious, and odd things happen when he’s around. I really liked this book. In fact, the only thing I didn’t like was I felt Abby abandoned her girlfriend to a guy she at first knew was a bad influence, and later learned was downright evil. The consequences to her friend were pretty shattering. I would talk to my kids about this […]

September 22, 2012 | 0 Comments
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Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Don’t read this book! Seriously. Unless you’re prepared to buy all five books currently available in the series and lock yourself away, neglect your house, your kids, your husband—and just read, read, read until you’re done. Because it was that good. And if you’re thinking you can read just one book at a time, think again. This is the Lays potato chips of vampire stories—and each book ends with a killer cliff-hanger. But to back up a bit. . . My sister has been bugging […]

September 20, 2012 | 11 Comments
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